EL SEGUNDO — Gabe Vilardi, the Kings’ No. 1 draft pick in 2017, missed the first half of this past season because of a back injury. But upon his return, he scored 22 goals and doled out 36 assists in just 32 games. He then scored 11 goals with 11 assists in 16 playoff games.

That’s a total of 80 points in 48 games, which is really something, even in junior hockey. It is therefore not surprising general manager Rob Blake and director of player development Glen Murray believe the 6-foot-3, 201-pound forward has a shot to make the big club out of training camp this season.

Vilardi won’t be 19 until Aug. 16.

“I think what we saw out of him in juniors, and the numbers that he put up in juniors, we look for him to battle for a spot on the team,” Blake said.

Vilardi was sidelined this past summer because of his back injury, but he participated in this year’s four-day development camp that ended Friday at Toyota Sports Center. After Thursday’s session, Murray spoke in glowing terms about Vilardi.

“I think he’s really worked hard, and he’s a special talent,” he said.

Murray believes Vilardi has blossomed emotionally, which could be a key factor to him making the team.

“He’s matured a lot in the last year,” Murray said. “Not that he wasn’t mature before, but he really understands that it’s going to be a tough challenge, but he’s up to all the challenges.”

The scouting report on Vilardi is he’s a lethal two-way center with terrific puck-handling skills and a composure about him. Murray adds to that.

“There are so many good things to say, but I think just the way he has the ability to see the play,” Murray said. “Not only see that play, but to see the next play. So if someone gives him the puck, he’s already looking for that next play.

“If it isn’t to shoot the puck, it’s to make a play to his linemates, teammates or whatever it may be. His offensive mind is special.”

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Vilardi, ever working, kept reporters waiting for a while Thursday as he worked out after his time on ice. He emerged, and then spoke in humble tones about the big-time points he put up in a short time in ’17-’18.

“Yeah, it was a good year, we had a good team; we ended up going pretty far there to the (Eastern) Conference finals,” said Vilardi, who played for the Kingston Frontenacs in the Ontario Hockey League in his hometown of Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

“I felt my teammates put on a pretty good line, so they definitely helped me out.”

Vilardi was asked the million-dollar question: Can he make the Kings this season?

“I’m not looking that far ahead yet,” Vilardi said. “Honestly, I’ve got a big summer here. I’ll say it’s the first summer I’ve really had like a detailed program. Obviously, I didn’t get to train last summer with the guys here and this is the first time I’ve done training at this kind of a level.

“So I know what I need to work on this summer and I’m trying to hit those things right now. I know there’s still a lot of summer left and I’ll keep on working hard and, hopefully, come camp time I’ll be ready to go and, hopefully, impress the staff here.”

Training camp begins in September. Murray believes the odds are good Vilardi makes the team.

“Well, I’ll probably be a little biased, but I’m pretty high,” Murray said. “He’s putting all the effort to give him the best opportunity to make it, and I’m pretty confident in him.”

Akil Thomas all smiles

The Kings figured forward Akil Thomas would get drafted in the first round of the recent draft.

“He didn’t, so we were very happy that he was there,” said Mark Yannetti, director of amateur scouting.

Thomas was picked in the second round by the Kings at No. 51 overall June 22. He was happy to hear of the Kings’ delight.

“Whenever you hear someone likes you as a player, it means a lot because I’ve worked so hard at it,” said Thomas, 18, of Canada via Brandon, Fla. “For an organization like the L.A. Kings to kind of believe in me and like me that much, means a lot to me.”

Thomas had 22 goals and 59 assists for the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL in 2017-18.